Published October 20th, 2024

Photography by Jennifer Merrick

“I need a vacation!” is a refrain mumbled by many of us when the stresses of city life and work build up. We dream of white beaches, snow-capped mountains and far-flung destinations. Woefully, a two-week vacation to Hawaii or the Rocky Mountains is not often in the cards. But a daycation is almost always feasible. And you’d be surprised what a difference a single day away from the distractions and worries of everyday life can make to your wellbeing. And the joy it can bring.

We certainly were feeling more relaxed and happier after our Sideroad Sippers Tour into the Durham Region with Rural Route Tour Company. Our family has always enjoyed a day trip whether it’s a waterfall hike in Hamilton or a play in Stratford, but this excursion felt like more of a break than most. Why?

First off, we didn’t have to drive. Tamara Stefek, the owner of Rural Route Tour Company, picked us up from Toronto’s Distillery District and whisked us off in her comfy customized van that fits a maximum of 14 daytrippers. After giving us an overview of our trip, she put on a curated all-Canadian song playlist:

“Life is a highway, and we’re going to ride it all night long…”

Or all day long, as it was in this case.

Even better than not driving was not planning anything. Rural Route took care of absolutely everything, creating an engaging and balanced itinerary.

“I don’t do sightseeing tours,” said Tamara. “I do experiential travel.”

With her background in public relations and passion for the rural life she was born into, she creates engaging behind-the-scenes trips. So, all her experiences include tours, tastings and chances to chat with the owners.

Our first stop was Second Wedge Brewery in the small town of Uxbridge, known as the ‘trail capital of Canada’. Here, we chatted with the owner as we sampled a flight of beer and tasted homemade Argentinian empanadas. Already feeling more relaxed, we piled back on the bus to visit nearby Applewood Farm Winery. At this 100-acre farm property, we walked along its trails, snapped pics of the friendly pet ducks, and chillaxed in their large outdoor seating area. The city stress dissipated more, no doubt facilitated by the sips of their wild blueberry cider and mead, distilled with honey from 32 hives.

“It was a hobby that got out of control,” joked the owner.

I couldn’t help but buy some honey and some more goodies at their country gift shop. It was a difficult property to leave, but we still had one more stop on our Sideroad Sippers Tour.

Pulling up to Banjo Cider, we were immediately struck by its colourful and cheerful vibe. The large outdoor patio beckoned, and here, with a view of the orchards, we enjoyed refreshing cider tastings. Their handcrafted libations, made with local organic apples, were some of the best I’ve tasted, especially the Maud cider, named after the Anne of Green Gables author who had lived nearby. A stage, which hosts live music on weekends, also looked inviting, and we vowed to return. But now, it was time to get back into the van, which we had grown surprisingly fond of, and make our way to Toronto.

Back in the city, we all remarked how much more relaxed we felt. Next time we’re stressed, we’ll be saying, ‘I need a daycation’ and signing up for a tour.

Other daycation ideas from Toronto (no car required):

Stratford Theatre Bus: Theatre goers can book a bus from downtown Toronto to see a world-class performance in this pretty town by Avon River.

Park Bus: Algonquin, Arrowhead, Bruce Peninsula… Ontario has no shortage of stunning protected park land, but access can be difficult without a car. Fortunately, Park Bus offers guided hikes, camping and transportation to places of exceptional natural beauty.

Go Transit: It’s not only commuters who can take advantage of this network. Daytrippers can access places like Hamilton to enjoy the Royal Botanical Gardens or a waterfall hike, Unionville to browse the shops on main street or skate at Toogood Pond Park, and Whitby to indulge at Thermëa spa village or hike at Cullen Central Park.

VIA Rail – You can take a VIA train across the country, but it’s also convenient for a quick jaunt to destinations, like Cobourg to stroll through the Ecology Garden or chillax at their gorgeous beach and Peterborough to kayak through its historic locks or visit the Canadian Canoe Museum.

Happy daycationing!

Escape the City with an Ontario Rural Route Daycation: No Car Required

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